What is the Origin of Topical Hormone Delivery?

This delivery method is rooted in pharmacology and dermatology, recognizing the skin's capacity as a semi-permeable membrane capable of passive diffusion for lipophilic molecules like steroid hormones. The technique gained prominence as a way to mimic the body's natural, non-oral secretion patterns and avoid the gastrointestinal and liver processing associated with oral dosing. The term specifies the application site for therapeutic hormone delivery.

What is the Mechanism of Topical Hormone Delivery?

The hormone, dissolved or suspended in a vehicle, is applied to the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin. The lipophilic steroid molecules then partition into the lipid matrix of the skin and passively diffuse through the epidermal and dermal layers. From the dermis, the hormone enters the local capillary network, directly entering the systemic circulation at a relatively steady rate, avoiding the high peak concentrations and rapid clearance seen with some oral formulations.

Topical Hormone Delivery ∞ Area

Topical Hormone Delivery

Meaning

Topical Hormone Delivery is a pharmaceutical method for administering bio-identical or synthetic hormones by applying a cream, gel, or solution directly onto the skin surface for systemic absorption. This non-oral route is clinically advantageous as it bypasses the hepatic first-pass metabolism, potentially resulting in more stable serum hormone concentrations and a reduced risk of certain side effects. It is a common modality for estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone replacement therapies.